Chapter 14

Hide and Seek

Stop, look, and listen. This particular order of words was what Peters used to describe recon missions. The job was simple. Observe enemy movements, report anything out of the ordinary, and make sure you never got caught. Sure, Peters thought he was a little naïve to think the operation would go that smoothly. But several successful past experiences had forged an optimistic mindset for Peters. If he hadn't failed yet, why should he have thought he ever would?

Like specters in the dark they lie motionless. Specters were certainly terrifying sights to behold, but nothing was scarier than the threat you couldn't see. The Yuktobanian 15th Marines prided themselves with the slogan, "You can't kill what you can't see." Such a saying defined Peters' current mission. Though he and his men weren't killing anyone today there where certainly in the perfect position to do so. Only 100 yards from the enemy was not the safest of places to be in. But when was safety ever prevalent in war?

"Same as usual Cap'n." Tomas whispered as he kept an eye on the Oseans.

"Don't see why'd they want us look at random patrols all day, but I don't make the orders. I just follow them." Peters complained.

"Just try and hold out for three more hours, sir."

"I'm thrilled." Came Peters' sarcastic reply.

"Hunker down marine! Hunker down!" Tomas joked.

"And I would, Sergeant. But are you seeing what I'm seeing?"

"You mean those eight grunts in black face paint? Could just be a night patrol." Tomas replied noticing eight Osean soldiers exiting the makeshift base.

"Not with those giant rucks on their backs. Someone's up to something." Peters observed.

"I would have said they were boy scouts going hiking, but boy scouts don't carry guns do they?"

"No they don't and if they were boy scouts I don't like 'em hiking in by backyard."

Peters got up and headed to his radioman.

"Detlef, contact home tell 'em we got roving patrols likely headed their way." Peters ordered.

"Yes sir!" The marine replied quickly following the order.

"Wanna do anything?" Tomas asked.

"Not yet. We may have a purpose here in a minute. Let's just sit tight and see if we can look into what our friends are doing." Peters explained.

Something was afoot and Peters could feel it. He did not know what the Oseans were up to, but whatever it was, it was obviously important.

--

Voices seemed to whisper in the night and they were not comforting whispers. These whispers sounded like ominous warnings of danger and death. Athos knew the voices weren't real, but their warnings were. Naiveté was not a flaw that Athos had and he was not about to let it get the best of him. Danger and death were always around the corner. Attesting to first hand experience Athos knew that no one was immune to these universal misfortunes.

There was a bright moon in the sky, a little too bright as a matter of fact. But Athos did not take time to complain. Instead he let his eyes pace back and forth for any movements. A rabbit may have fooled him earlier, but he was sure that wouldn't happen again. The next movement would probably be something a little more threatening.

Too scared to speak, Athos' men proceeded along their patrol in silence. For some reason there was more comfort and concentrating on the tasks in front of them. These tasks consisted of looking for threats, watching the other guy's back, and most importantly make it back in one piece. They were scared out of their minds, but most of them knew that if they relied on their training and trusted Athos to lead them, then everything would be all right.

Hearing some voices Athos ordered his men prone. In less that a second they plopped onto their bellies. Heart rates started racing and breathing became an exercise. No one knew what was going but they all felt like something was going to happen. Just the mere thought of something happening scared the hell out of all of them.

Athos tried his best to look around but blades of grass were obstructing his view. But, despite this little nuance, Athos could just make out the tip of a missile. It gleamed a little in the moonlight. Hello beautiful.

Waiting for the voices to fade away Athos quietly pulled out his map. Carefully he plotted the missiles location with a red marker. Realizing the voices were further away than anticipated Athos looked back at Blake and motioned for him to move up. Quietly Blake crawled towards his commander

"Private, get that radio qued up." Athos ordered.

"Sir." Blake replied giving Athos the phone.

"Papa Bear, this is Spear 1, get a pen and a pad, we got something for ya."